Jessel Lauriano

Miss Earth Belize 2012

What environmental project will you create to promote the protection of Mother Earth and why?
The environmental project I will create to promote the protection of Mother Earth would be to plant "sustainable trees" (Trees that have a higher rate of carbon sequestration) in the city/ cities. With the assistance of students through environmental clubs, and through Education, with the use of pamphlets and signs throughout the City, I would promote public awareness on the importance of trees and carbon sequestration. I would promote the importance of capturing and removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which is a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming and is emitted as a result of burning fossil fuels, an unsustainable energy source.

What makes you proud of your country and what can you promote about it?
Belize is an environmentalist dream. It has a wealth of recognized natural resources, such as an abundance of untouched freshwater resources, the second largest barrier reef system in the world with unique, one-of-a-kind natural features. For marine lovers, our unique atolls (Glover's Reef, Turneffe Islands, Lighthouse Reef), the great Blue Hole; "our signature dive spot," and hundreds of Cayes'. We have the World's largest Jaguar reserve and the only Zoo in the World with natural habitats for the animals. In addition, we have the highest waterfall in all of Central America, unspoiled mountains complimented by rivers, picturesque waterfalls, and cave systems, hosting the most beautiful flora and fauna. Belize also has the largest concentration of Mayan sites in the region. Thirty to forty percent of our land is under protected status and our country boasts a steady increase in environmental consciousness. Belizeans are amongst the warmest and friendliest people in the world and they truly are our greatest national treasure. I invite you to take a trip and explore mother nature's best kept secret, and see why I am proud to be a Belizean.

Describe your childhood/growing years:
At the tender age of five, I was adopted. My Mom had a devoted love for children even though she gave birth to none. She was a good mom who instills true values and morals; I grew up having a strong spiritual belief and remembered always being occupied and active especially during the summer months. Growing up I played softball, volleyball, won many races in track and field and had fun singing for Festival of the Arts where I represented my school well. My mom worked at the youth hostel, a home for juvenile with social issues, which was located in a rural district area of Belize. Each summer I had the opportunity to go with her to summer camps in the country side. As a child from an urban community, I developed appreciation for nature. Through the eyes of a child, I saw nothing but the beautiful arrays of birds, butterflies, wild flowers, animals and giant mountains. It was a magical transition from urban to rural lifestyles; simple things in life. But that was my yearly routine. Looking back, I now realize that those summers served as an annual therapeutic experience for me from the hustle and bustle of city life, to the tranquility I find in the country side, clearing the path for positive spiritual growth.

What lessons did you learn from your childhood/growing years?
I learned that the smallest act of kindness can make a big impact on someone's life. Like a great Tibetan Buddhism Monk said, "When we feel love and kindness towards others, it not only makes others feel loved and cared for, but it helps us also to develop inner happiness and peace. I still recall when I was ten years old, in a summer program for girls, we visited the Sister Cecelia's Home; a home for the elderly, to kee the elderly company and assist them in ways a child can. The fun filled experience I had in combing hairs, painting nails and applying make up to the elderly women, provided a lasting impact. They were so grateful for the company and attention we showed them. I left feeling like a little angel.

What is your most memorable moment?
As a child my favorite movie was "The Little Mermaid". At the age of fifteen I had the opportunity to go diving at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve in northern Belize and to have similar memoirs of a mermaid, even if only for a little while. Imagine being submerged 75ft under water where the rich array of the hues of the world below gave out an aura of a rainbow palace with each collection of corals. I was in perfect harmony with all the dazzling aquatic flora and fauna and most of all the many schools of fishes in all different colors, shapes and sizes. Unfortunately, as I was about to join the celebration, my breathing waned, vertigo came on, and I had to be immediately rescued. I assume that it was because the experience was overwhelming and evoked pure bliss. The moment that I, Jessel, became the Ariel of Belize, despite such misfortune, will never be forgotten.

What is your environmental advocacy and why did you choose it?
My advocacy is to promote recycling and sustainable energy- lobbying for government influence to support and promote recycling through subsidy incentives. I believe it is important to save energy through recycling because renewable resources saves money, uses less energy, and produces less contamination of the environment. Recycling is especially important for developing countries like Belize. Belize is a young growing nation and fortunately for us there is still time to make a difference, starting with our youths. When children learn the importance of recycling today, it will make a difference tomorrow. I chose these as my environmental advocacy because I believe it is the most effective way to bring awareness of the negative impact of waste which threatens our health, weather patterns and planetary ecosystems.

What tip can you share to promote sustainable energy for all?
A tip I can share to promote sustainable energy for all is to 'RETHINK'. Rethink before you make a decision that requires energy, whether it is to drive to the market or leave the television on when not watching. Before you purchase a new product for yourself or your home, ask yourself this question, "Do I need it or do I want it?" and if the answer is "I want it", then don't buy it and rethink what other action you can take that will help you to use energy sustainably, cause less pollution, as well as saving yourself a few dollars. For example, walk to the market instead, turn off the television and lights, unplug chargers when not in use, do not keep the water running while brushing your teeth, purchase only energy-saving appliances and light bulbs. Of all our energy needs, transportation accounts for more than fifty percent so carpooling as often as possible would make a big difference. These are only a few tips that are so easy to do but have a big effect on the environment.